The country’s longest running and most prestigious Students Art Competition gathered a record 1,277 entries in oil/acrylic, watercolor, sculpture and digital fine arts categories -- the most number of submissions made in the 38-year-long history of the competition. Students from provinces, Albay, Tarlac, Davao, Iloilo, Cebu, bagged six major awards, according to organizers. Awarding ceremonies will be on October 13, 2005, 6pm on the 4th Level, Bridgeway of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.
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The oil/acrylic division drew the most number of entries, with a total of 664. Renowned artist Norberto Carating is pleased with the entries this year. He and fellow artists, Nestor Olarte Vinluan, Elmer Borlongan, felt nostalgic during the selection process since the gathering served as a reunion of sorts for the judges who were themselves winners of the Shell art competition in their undergraduate years. “The enthusiasm hasn’t waned!” He gives credit to student artists who, despite the demands of school, still found the time and the heart to join the contest. “Our young artists have a fighting chance.” Carating’s advice is that they work continuously and not just paint whenever there is a contest. Multi-media artist Jose Tence Ruiz was joined by Ruben Defeo, Randy Kanapi and Pablo Biglang-awa in assessing the entries in the digital category, which increased from 170 last year to 330 this year. Shifts are taking place, Ruiz notes. He observes how people today can transmute whole blocks of imagery a lot quicker than they used to” but tends to make the individual a little more passive. All of a sudden the contest becomes a barometer not necessarily for the contest itself but for the times.” The challenge for digital artists, he believes, is to look at the features of the equipment and the software analytically and poetically so that they can be made to communicate something: “The tools are supposed to help you achieve a vision.” Ruiz tells young artists to read and draw inspiration from other creative sources as this will help deepen one’s artistic sensibilities. “People must cultivate their imaginations the way they eat food – one must feed the mind constantly.” Noted watercolorist Angel Cacnio, another “graduate” of the Shell tradition, observes, “There are many good entries this year.” Cacnio, Renato Habulan, Soler Santos and Roy Veneracion judged the watercolor entries based on composition, technical proficiency, and articulation of personal themes. When handling watercolor, Cacnio warns against timidity and trepidation. He shares with young artists what his professor imparted during his student years: “The creator is lord. The moment you become fearful of your work, the painting becomes your master.” Artist Junyee, who pioneered outdoor installation art in the Philippines, was joined by judges Ral Arrogante, Reggie Yuson, Ramon Orlina and Dan Raralio in the sculpture category. He perceives “a lot of social commentary in the artworks”, and hopes that organizers will allow larger sculpture entries in the years to come. According to him, young people are good with other art media as well, even besting professionals in some competitions. The sculpturist entered the Shell art contest in his working-student years and with his sculptures made of found materials, he won twice. “Every generation produces excellent artists who will contribute something new,” he concludes. The Shell art season culminates in the awarding of the 2005 National Students Art Competition winners this October 13, 2005. Students and art enthusiasts are invited to celebrate this year’s harvest of talents.
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